AGP Executive Report

World Cup Prep in Washington: FIFA’s final 26-man squads are set, and Seattle is getting ready for the tournament’s arrival—plus stadiums across the host cities are temporarily rebranding to remove non-FIFA sponsors (including Lumen Field becoming “Seattle Stadium”). Federal Oversight Under Fire: As investigators probe the Longview paper mill implosion, Sen. Maria Cantwell is pushing back on a proposal to slash the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s budget, warning cuts could slow or weaken future probes. State Courts & Housing Growth: A Washington appeals panel revived challenges to Seattle’s comprehensive-plan environmental impact statement, keeping the door open for more fights over how the city plans for housing. Civil Rights & Public Safety: A fatal pellet/BB-gun shooting in Othello is renewing questions about how Washington law treats non-powder weapons, especially when children are involved. Privacy Lawsuits: Costco is seeking sanctions in a Seattle federal case over claims it used Meta Pixel and other tools on its pharmacy site to disclose customers’ health information. Local Community News: Shoreline’s Farmers Market kicked off its 15th anniversary season June 6, continuing its nonprofit mission of food access and local connections.

World Cup in Washington: Spokane is getting a rare close-up moment with Egypt’s national team: the City of Spokane and Gonzaga say an open training session at Gonzaga’s Luger Field is set for June 10, with tickets limited to two per person and handed out by random lottery. Privacy & tech: A Seattle federal lawsuit accuses Amazon’s Ring of violating privacy by using facial recognition in its “Familiar Faces” feature, seeking class-action status over alleged biometric collection without consent. Immigration enforcement politics: DHS says it’s “drawing up plans” to remove customs screening from international airports serving “sanctuary cities,” even as it walked back pulling officers from Newark; the move is tied to the broader fight over federal enforcement in Democratic-led areas. Local government & staffing: Yakima’s new HR director, Lisa Garcia, is stepping into the role after a long career in human resources across local health and public-sector employers. Legal fallout in Yakima Valley: Immigration attorney Alexandra Lozano resigned and is banned from practicing after WSBA discipline proceedings, leaving clients scrambling amid a separate federal civil lawsuit. Civic life: Seattle CityClub will host a civic forum with Mayor Katie Wilson focused on housing, affordability, small business, and public safety.

Federal Courts: A divided D.C. appeals court ruled the Pentagon’s policy barring transgender troops is unconstitutional, keeping the ban in place for now but narrowing its immediate impact to protect current service members in the lawsuit. State Government: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order directing Washington’s Women’s Commission to develop workplace guidance for menopause and perimenopause accommodations across state agencies and to coordinate with health partners and employers. Local Taxes: Spokane County seniors could qualify for a higher property-tax exemption starting in 2027 after Gov. Ferguson signed SB 6162, raising the disposable revenue limit and expanding eligibility by thousands. Public Safety & Housing: Spokane launched a new eviction-prevention resource webpage for tenants and landlords, while the Spokane City Council is set to consider tougher penalties for street racing. Port Oversight: The Northwest Seaport Alliance audit committee declined to recommend an external review of cost overruns at Seattle’s Terminal 5 modernization. Energy Policy: Ferguson rejected a proposal to pause Washington’s cap-and-trade program to lower gas prices. Immigration Enforcement: CBP named Rosario “Pete” Vasquez as Border Patrol chief, with Washington’s northern border operations in his background. Industrial Tragedy: Longview’s paper mill chemical tank rupture death toll rose to two confirmed and nine presumed dead as recovery and decontamination continue.

Workplace Policy: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order directing Washington agencies to support employees dealing with menopause and perimenopause, including guidance for managers and training resources. City Growth & Migration: New Census estimates say Seattle added 11,572 residents last year, with international migration helping offset domestic losses in King County. Public Records: A Washington Coalition for Open Government “Winners and Sinners” ranking finds some agencies—like Sumner School District—taking far too long to respond to records requests. Medicaid Fraud: Washington’s AG secured a full conviction in a Medicaid fraud trial tied to a Kent-based staffing scheme using stolen nurse identities. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: The GEO Group’s Delaney Hall operator is under renewed scrutiny over ICE contract practices and conditions, with ongoing legal fights over oversight. Military Legal Battle: A divided federal appeals court ruled Trump-era transgender military restrictions are likely unconstitutional, keeping a narrow block in place for current service members. World Cup Prep in WA: Kent Police will add security and crowd patrols at light rail stations during World Cup matches at Lumen Field.

Immigration Enforcement at World Cup: Immigrant rights groups are mobilizing across the 11 U.S. host cities as ICE fears rise ahead of the June 11 kickoff, warning fans and residents about possible detentions and disruptions. Federal Courts & Enforcement Policy: A separate federal case highlights how ICE protest actions in Washington are being treated in court, underscoring the legal pressure around enforcement and protest activity. Energy Costs in Washington: A new push to help households with rising summer cooling bills is gaining attention, with programs offering assistance for customers facing financial hardship. Sound Transit & Local Transit Planning: Sound Transit’s latest light-rail affordability and funding updates keep shaping what gets built and when, with major implications for Seattle-area riders. State Economy & Trade: Washington apples—especially Cosmic Crisp—are surging in Vietnam, with exports tied to cultural demand and growing market share. Local Government: Tacoma is launching a “Tidy-Up” cleanup effort aimed at keeping the city ready for summer visitors. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Reports continue to track fallout from major Washington industrial incidents and safety concerns.

I-405 Closure Safety Update: WSDOT says drivers are taking wrong-way turns on southbound I-405 near Kirkland during a fish-passage project, so it’s closed key entrance ramps from NE 124th and 116th Streets; the southbound freeway closure runs from the I-405/NE 85th Street interchange to N 70th Place until about 4 a.m. Monday, with signed detours. Longview Paper Mill Tragedy: After the final recoveries, 11 workers are confirmed dead in the Nippon Dynawave Packaging chemical tank disaster; Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered flags lowered statewide, while the workers’ union is calling for a “complete, thorough, and uncompromising” investigation. Puget Sound Crime Conviction: A Kent man, Shannon Hartfield, was convicted of 17 federal felonies tied to an armed robbery spree targeting marijuana dispensaries, banks, and credit unions across the region. Tribal Fisheries Fight: Federal and tribal officials met to discuss the Quinault push to expand fishery boundaries toward Cape Disappointment and up the Columbia, a move the Chinook Nation says threatens long-held treaty waters. World Cup in Washington: Qatar’s team arrived in the U.S., and its group-stage finale is set for Seattle on June 24. Local Economy Watch: Pacific County’s unemployment rate dipped to 6.8% in April, while the statewide rate held at 5.1%.

Longview Industrial Tragedy: Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered Washington and U.S. flags lowered for a week starting May 31 to honor the 11 victims of the Nippon Dynawave paper mill chemical implosion, as investigators—including the U.S. Chemical Safety Board—arrive and families press for answers about safety culture. Transportation & Safety: In Kirkland, WSDOT closed southbound I-405 on-ramps after wrong-way drivers repeatedly used them during a fish passage project, rerouting traffic while crews cut and tunnel for the new passage. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Homeland Security is weighing pulling CBP officers from international airports in “sanctuary cities,” with airlines and business groups warning it could trigger nationwide travel and cargo chaos—Seattle is named among potential targets. Civil Liberties in Spokane: A closely watched case ended with three Spokane “Spokane 3” ICE protesters convicted of conspiracy to impede federal agents, drawing renewed debate over free speech and whether prosecutions are politically motivated. Regional Transit: Sound Transit approved a major overhaul of its ST3 light-rail plan, citing a projected $34.5 billion funding gap and pushing some projects into delays or phased delivery. Public Services: In Spokane, YWCA Spokane says more domestic violence survivors are seeking legal help, especially for civil protection orders and family law, and it’s asking for more funding. New Rail for the Northwest: Amtrak’s newest Cascades train arrived in Seattle for final testing and staff training ahead of service.

Longview Industrial Disaster: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered state and U.S. flags lowered after the Nippon Dynawave Packaging chemical tank implosion, as investigators assess the cause and the death toll remains among the deadliest workplace incidents in modern state history. Spokane Protest Trial: Three “Spokane 3” protesters were convicted on federal conspiracy charges for blocking an ICE transfer bus in 2025, drawing renewed debate over protest rights and whether prosecutions are politically motivated. Elections & Voting Mail: Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs criticized a USPS proposed rule on ballot mail as federal overreach, warning it could undermine states’ control over election administration. Federal vs. States on ICE Plates: The DOJ sued Washington and three other states over policies denying undercover license plates to federal agents, escalating the fight over immigration enforcement and agent safety. Sound Transit Overhaul: Sound Transit approved a revised ST3 plan to address a roughly $34.5B funding gap, keeping key Tacoma light-rail work on track while delaying or reshaping other projects. Seattle Gun-Violence Tactics: Seattle installed concrete barriers along Aurora Avenue after residents’ homemade barricades were removed, aiming to deter shootings and reduce spillover into side streets. Bothell School Safety Fight: Bothell students and parents pressed the school board to reverse its decision to end the SRO program, calling for data and accountability.

Sound Transit & Local Transit: Sound Transit approved a new light-rail strategy that keeps the “spine” funded but punts Ballard into indefinite limbo, cutting the neighborhood’s promised line short at the Seattle Center as the agency wrestles with a projected $34.5B shortfall. Seattle Public Safety & Housing: Seattle began removing resident-built barricades on Aurora-area side streets and replacing them with temporary traffic calming, while council members push for emergency authority to close streets for public safety. Homelessness Politics: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s push for 1,000 new shelter beds is colliding with staff turmoil, including the resignation of a senior homelessness adviser. State Economy & Taxes: Former Gov. Christine Gregoire warned Puget Sound leaders that “luck has run out,” citing stagnating job growth and rising affordability and permitting pressures. Courts & Crime: A Tacoma man convicted of attempted murder in the Point Defiance Park stabbing was sentenced to 22 years. Federal Immigration Enforcement: DHS is again raising the prospect of disrupting international flights tied to “sanctuary” cities, with Seattle and other host cities in the spotlight ahead of the World Cup. Tribal Rights: Quinault officials are set to meet federal and state parties over a push to expand fishery boundaries into Southwest Washington, drawing strong opposition from the Chinook. Workplace Disaster: Longview’s paper mill chemical tank implosion continues to drive recovery and cleanup scrutiny after multiple deaths and missing workers.

Sound Transit Funding Fight: The Sound Transit Board approved a restructured ST3 plan to close a $34.5B gap, pushing West Seattle forward while leaving the full Ballard light-rail extension unfunded (design work continues). Longview Industrial Disaster: Recovery efforts continued after a Nippon Dynawave Packaging chemical tank implosion, with officials reporting multiple deaths and missing workers and warning of ongoing hazards and river contamination. Immigration Enforcement Clash: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin floated cutting customs staffing and possibly stopping international processing at airports tied to “sanctuary” jurisdictions, drawing pushback from transportation leadership and raising new uncertainty for travel. DOJ vs. Washington on Undercover Plates: The Justice Department sued Washington and other states over denials of undercover license plates for federal agents, escalating a federal-state legal fight. Millionaires Tax Ballot Push: Gov. Bob Ferguson acknowledged the “millionaires tax” repeal effort is close to qualifying for the November ballot. Legal Fallout in Immigration Bar: Washington immigration lawyer Alexandra Lozano resigned amid allegations tied to green-card filings and client deception. Local Energy Resilience: Spokane’s new community microgrid at the MLK Community Center highlights neighborhood-level backup power and emergency preparedness.

Immigration Enforcement Clash: The Trump administration is suing Washington and three other Democratic-led states over their refusal to provide undercover license plates to DHS/ICE agents, arguing it’s unconstitutional obstruction and puts agents at risk. Airport Disruption Threat: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says customs processing could be pulled from “sanctuary city” airports, potentially forcing international flight halts—raising stakes for Seattle-Tacoma as World Cup travel ramps up. Longview Industrial Disaster: Gov. Bob Ferguson says the Longview paper mill chemical tank implosion is likely the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington history, with contamination reported to the Columbia River and recovery efforts continuing for missing workers. Workplace Rules: Washington enacted a near-total ban on noncompete agreements statewide, with new notice requirements kicking in for employers. Health & Fraud: A federal judge paused $36M in real-estate class action payouts tied to Seattle-based settlement administrator JND Legal, while Washington residents reportedly lost over $18M to imposter scams in 2025. Local Governance: Spokane is creating a Spokane Urban Native Advisory Council to advise on health, housing, safety, and community well-being.

Longview Chemical Disaster: A 900,000-gallon “white liquor” tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging has killed at least two and left nine missing, with recovery shifting from rescue to recovery as officials warn it could be Washington’s deadliest modern industrial tragedy; contamination testing also found material reached the Columbia River. Millionaire Tax Fight: Washington’s income-tax repeal effort is surging—supporters say they’ve gathered 92,000 signatures in week one—while Gov. Bob Ferguson says he’ll veto any attempt to lower the $1 million threshold. Immigration Enforcement at Airports: Homeland Security is “drawing up plans” to stop international processing at airports in “sanctuary cities,” a move that could disrupt travel for some destinations, including major U.S. hubs. Spokane Protest Trial: A federal jury has begun deliberations in a case accusing three Spokane protesters of conspiring to impede ICE during a 2025 protest. Higher Ed Pathways: Spokane-area community college enrollment keeps rising, with transfer agreements expanding routes to four-year degrees. Local Politics & Civic Life: Spokane’s first pro women’s soccer team, Zephyr FC, is not returning for a third season.

Industrial Disaster in Southwest WA: A chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview killed at least two people, with nine still missing and seven hospitalized, as crews shift from rescue to recovery and state agencies monitor river contamination. Budget & Public Safety: Washington’s pension fight is back in court, with lawmakers’ plan to tap LEOFF 1 funds to plug budget gaps drawing a lawsuit from contributors. Immigration Enforcement at Airports: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says the Trump administration is “drawing up plans” to suspend customs and immigration processing at airports in sanctuary cities, with Seattle listed among major targets. Seattle Security for World Cup: The King County Sheriff’s Office will use anti-drone tech during FIFA matches, funded partly by a federal grant, alongside temporary flight restrictions. Ballot Politics: Let’s Go Washington says it has collected 92,000 signatures in a week to repeal the new income tax on high earners. Crime & Courts: A Kent man was convicted on 17 federal felonies tied to a Puget Sound armed robbery spree that targeted marijuana dispensaries and financial institutions.

Chemical Disaster: A chemical tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging paper mill in Longview, killing at least one worker and leaving nine missing, with nine others injured; officials say the tank is still unstable and recovery is expected to resume Wednesday only after stabilizing the structure and managing the remaining “white liquor.” World Cup Fallout: As the U.S. prepares for FIFA crowds, the Trump administration is drawing up plans to stop customs and immigration processing at major airports in “sanctuary cities,” raising fears of major travel disruption during the tournament. USMNT Roster Buzz: Coach Mauricio Pochettino named Gio Reyna to the 26-man World Cup squad, citing his talent and past international form, while Alejandro Zendejas makes the cut and Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann are left off. Local Governance: Snohomish County leaders discussed the long-planned U.S. 2 trestle replacement as congestion and earthquake risk keep pressure on the project. Courts & Accountability: A federal jury convicted defendants in a $215M international email hacking scam that targeted more than 1,000 victims.

US Supreme Court Clash: The court shut down Florida AG James Uthmeier’s bid to sue California and Washington over commercial driver’s licenses for an undocumented truck driver, leaving the dispute dead on arrival. Seattle Public Safety: Aurora Avenue residents say they’re done waiting—after a violent weekend shootout, neighbors erected reinforced barricades to block traffic tied to prostitution and gun violence. Teachers Under Scrutiny: Seattle’s teachers union elected a new president while she’s on paid leave amid allegations of abuse of an autistic child, ratcheting pressure on district leadership. USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the 26-man team—Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas are in, while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann are out—setting up a home-tournament spotlight for Washington-area fans. Local Infrastructure: Spokane International Airport officially completed its Concourse C expansion, a key step toward a bigger terminal plan. Health & Economy: Eli Lilly announced deals to buy three vaccine developers, while hotels in major host cities report bookings lag behind expectations. Immigration Pressure: A Seattle immigration lawyer warns that new limits on I-485 green-card approvals are hitting laid-off tech workers especially hard.

World Cup Fallout: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum says there’s “no issue” with hosting Iran’s World Cup team after the U.S. wouldn’t allow the squad to stay overnight in America, with FIFA confirming Iran’s base camp moved to Tijuana while matches still run in the U.S. (including Seattle). Local Infrastructure: Rep. Rick Larsen’s BUILD America 250 Act cleared a House committee, teeing up major Washington ferry and transit funding. Hanford Staffing Crunch: A new GAO report flags major staffing shortages at the Hanford cleanup site, warning of gaps in mission-critical roles. Public Health Watch: San Juan County shares basics on hantavirus after a cruise-linked outbreak, stressing the overall public risk remains low. Seattle Civic Input: SDOT is recruiting volunteers for bicycle and transit advisory boards as World Cup visitor planning ramps up. Business/Jobs: Construction employment is mixed nationwide, with fewer than half of metro areas adding jobs year over year.